Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Treatment in Tarzana, CA

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is a general term used by the public and the media to describe a group of neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adults.

The official clinical diagnosis used by most medical professionals today is ADHD which includes three classes and specific symptom types that cause problems with focus, attention, and activity. Children with ADD may or may not have a hyperactivity component to their symptoms. The three classes include:

ADD Symptoms

Making choices without thinking about the consequences (impulsiveness)

Trouble focusing on tasks

Talking too much

Daydreaming

Forgetting or losing things frequently

ADD affects children and adults. According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, 4% to 6% of Americans have some form of ADD. Symptoms can greatly influence a child's ability to learn, make friends and adjust to social settings.

ADD is not only a childhood problem. Adults with the condition or children who grow up with ADD may have employment difficulties and problems establishing relationships with others.

ADD Causes

Researchers are not completely sure what causes ADD. They continue to study the condition to help build new treatment plans, but they believe that genetics play a key role. In addition, these factors may also increase the likelihood of ADD:

Brain injury

Exposure to chemicals in the environment (like lead)

Premature birth

Low birth weight

Exposure to drugs or alcohol before birth

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that contrary to popular belief, ADHD and ADD are not caused by eating too much sugar, poor parenting or watching too much television.

ADD Treatment and Diagnosis

There isn't one single test to diagnose ADD. There may be several different professionals involved in making the diagnosis. For children, this may mean having hearing and vision tests, a physical exam, and psychological testing by a school psychologist or other mental health professional. Diagnosing ADD means that all other potential causes have been ruled out first.

Treatment for ADD includes a combination of medications and behavioral therapy. Treatment may need to be adjusted as time passes. Possible ADD treatments include: